Oakland University Credit Union President & CEO April M. Clobes announced at the Oakland University Board of Trustees meeting today her organization’s plan to donate $1M over the next five years. The gift will provide financial support to Oakland University students participating in study abroad and international educational opportunities.

Oakland University, and food service partner Chartwells Higher Education Dining Services, have been notified by peta2, that the school has earned an “A” letter grade on the group’s fall 2017 Vegan Report Card.

GEAR UP, which stands for Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs, is Michigan’s largest college access initiative, with chapters at each of the state’s 15 public universities. GEAR UP follows students from seventh grade through their first year of college and is focused on helping underrepresented students succeed in post-secondary education.

Oakland University offers 277 degree and certificate programs with more than 19,000 students currently enrolled. A public university situated on 1,443 acres, OU spans two thriving cities, Auburn Hills and Rochester Hills, in southeast Michigan.

Overachievers thrive at OU. Students conduct research as early as their freshman year, gain global perspectives studying abroad, compete in Division I athletics, lead student orgs, perform on stage and learn without limits.

In 1957, Matilda Dodge Wilson donated her estate to establish what is now Oakland University. The estate includes the National Historic Landmark Meadow Brook Hall, which Matilda built with her second husband Alfred Wilson from 1926-29.

Matilda was inspired by steel pioneer and philanthropist Andrew Carnegie, quoting him that she wanted to provide "ladders upon which the aspiring can rise."